In Focus

Window both reflects heat and generates electricity.

Involves extracting radioactive substances from spent nuclear fuel.

Option will also keep Tepco alive to pay its debts. Japan’s government is discussing this radical overhaul of its nuclear power sector to rebuild an industry wracked by the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and strong public opposition to nuclear energy. The proposed sole operator that will handle all 50 reactors. will be owned by Japan’s nine regional utilities and two wholesalers (Japan Atomic Power Company and Electric Power Development Company). The government and local reactor makers will provide financial and technical support, said Taku Yamamoto, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s energy committee. Part of the profit from sales of the new company’s electricity will be used for the cleanup of Tokyo Electric Power Company’s (Tepco) destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant and victim compensation, which combined may cost over US$112 billion. The plan will keep Tepco alive to shoulder Fukushima costs and avert any blackouts in Tokyo, which will host the 2020 Olympic Games. Yamamoto said the plan is based on Tepco’s profits covering Fukushima costs without taxpayers’ money and to increase the government’s role in the nuclear industry. He said Tepco has to go on working hard for the Fukushima disaster until it dies.

Boosted by commercial project installations.

Fourth-generation plant to rise at Ruijin.

Goal is to save and use electricity more efficiently.

Goal is to save and use electricity more efficiently.

Coal the dominant energy source until 2035.

UK government gives go-ahead.

Will establish an LNG importers’ group.

It's the first agreement between a US state and China.

Not an opportunity in disguise but a crisis, it says.

Bidding ends later this month.

“Ultra mega” plant will generate 4 GW.

This despite massive overcapacity and weak demand.

Plans to generate 3 GW from solar energy.